Priya Serrao’s national costume makes an environmental and cultural statement

Miss Universe Australia Priya Serrao revealed her national costume for the Miss Universe 2019 pageant Monday morning on the Today Show. 

Political advisor and law student Priya Serrao is set to compete for the Miss Universe 2019 title on 8 December in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inspired by the Australian frill-necked lizard, Brisbane based artist Claudia Williams blended recyclable materials, Aboriginal culture and the colours of the outback to design Priya’s gown.

A designer who loves to push the boundaries through ‘the art of wearable waste’. Claudia advocates for social and environmental issues through her unique one-off pieces.

“It’s a platform to voice, explore and discover. For me, it’s about creating with recyclables, wowing my audience, while fostering the art of creative thinking and giving reuse a DELUXE finish” says Claudia.

The form-fitting halter dress took over 200 hours to create and represents a fusion of eco-conscious design (recycled billboard vinyl, bubble wrap and cardboard) and custom Aboriginal art. The artists’ stories were meticulously incorporated into 6200 individually hand cut scales. 

Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi women from the Simpson Desert, including Aunty Joyce Crombie (Anpanuwa), Aunty Jean Barr Crombie (Aulpunda), Aunty Jenny Parsons (Big Aulpunda), Aunty Maude Monaghan (Akawilyika) as well as Bidjara men Daryl Frazer, Dwayne Kangan and Josie Schurman all contributed their artworks.

Priya’s dress wouldn’t be complete without finishing touches from Melbourne based, Kalkadoon and Gunggari artist, Minelle Creed. Known for her bespoke jewellery, Minelle’s emu feather earrings and bracelet lend her signature style fit for a beauty queen.

Minelle says, “For me specifically, without my culture and my heritage I don’t know where my inspiration would come from. My work is inspired by my people, my community, my Elders, my ancestors.”

To find out more about artists Claudia Williams and Minelle Creed click the links. Don’t forget to show your support for Priya Serrao. Head over to her Instagram to keep up-to-date.

Feature image source: @priyaserrao.